What is a "Brilliant" coin? Not Brilliant Uncirculated.

Discussion in 'US Coins Forum' started by Gam3rBlake, Apr 15, 2021.

  1. Gam3rBlake

    Gam3rBlake Well-Known Member

    I was browsing through a well known coin dealer website and I came across this 1936 "Brilliant" Lincoln cent.

    What does "Brilliant" even mean? It don't think it means "Brilliant Uncirculated" since it's a Proof not an Unc coin.

    Anyone have any ideas?

    124.jpg
     
    Gam3rBlake, Apr 15, 2021
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  3. YoloBagels

    YoloBagels Well-Known Member

    Best Answer
    Brilliant is referring to the proof finish of the coin.

    In 1936 two types of proof cents and nickels were made. Satin finishes and Brilliant finishes.

    Brilliant finished coins are more like today's proofs as they are like a mirror, while satin finishes are more crusty. I believe the brilliant finish usually demands a slightly higher premium.
     
    YoloBagels, Apr 15, 2021
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  4. SensibleSal66

    SensibleSal66 U.S Casual Collector / Error Collector

    Hmm. Well educated and paid for ? I hate that term . It's outdated . ;)
     
    SensibleSal66, Apr 15, 2021
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  5. YoloBagels

    YoloBagels Well-Known Member

    Best Answer
    Brilliant is referring to the proof finish of the coin.

    In 1936 two types of proof cents and nickels were made. Satin finishes and Brilliant finishes.

    Brilliant finished coins are more like today's proofs as they are like a mirror, while satin finishes are more crusty. I believe the brilliant finish usually demands a slightly higher premium.
     
    YoloBagels, Apr 15, 2021
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  6. Gam3rBlake

    Gam3rBlake Well-Known Member

    Thanks! I had no idea that they had different types of finishes. I just thought there was normal uncirculated and proofs.

    I learned something new today! ^_^
     
    Gam3rBlake, Apr 15, 2021
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  7. SensibleSal66

    SensibleSal66 U.S Casual Collector / Error Collector

    I always thought of it in a general sense of the word Uncirculated if that makes any sense . It could range any between MS-60 to MS-70 , NO ?
     
    SensibleSal66, Apr 15, 2021
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  8. Gam3rBlake

    Gam3rBlake Well-Known Member

    Yeah that’s what it means for grading.

    But I think it also means it’s not a proof which is why it’s MS60-MS70 instead of PR60-PR70.
     
    Gam3rBlake, Apr 16, 2021
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  9. Robert Ransom

    Robert Ransom Well-Known Member

    How about uncirculated with wear?
     
    Robert Ransom, Apr 16, 2021
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  10. GDJMSP

    GDJMSP Numismatist Moderator

    Well, next time you have a question like this, simply look at your Red Book and you'll have your answer as to what they made and didn't make in seconds ;)
     
    GDJMSP, Apr 16, 2021
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  11. johnmilton

    johnmilton Well-Known Member

    There are also brilliant and satin finish 1936 Proof nickels. The satin finish coins were issued first. After collectors objected to their appearance, the mint switched to the brilliant finish.

    Satin Finish 1936 Proof Nickel

    1936 Satin Proof Nickel O.jpg 1936 Satin Proof Nickel R.jpg

    Brilliant Finish 1936 Proof Nickel

    1936 Bril nickel O.jpg 1936 Bril Nickel R 1.jpg

    The brilliant finish coins sell for more than the satin finish pieces, grade for grade.
     
    johnmilton, Apr 16, 2021
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  12. Bill1517

    Bill1517 Active Member

    I always thought "Brilliant" was associated to Uncirculated but not proof, however earlier comments educated me. Thank you.
     
    Bill1517, Apr 16, 2021
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  13. mike estes

    mike estes Well-Known Member

    hey @YoloBagels thanks for that info, i never knew that year had those 2 different finishes. good luck to ya man
     
    mike estes, Apr 17, 2021
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